Otherwise, all systems are go for Springfield's newest sports venture - a franchise in the NBA Development League.

The team, owned by long-time minor league baseball operator Michael K. Savit of Newton, will open its season in late November and play through April, using the MassMutual Center as its home.

"This is a great day for Springfield," said James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which operates the MassMutual Center.

Rooney led off a press conference at the Basketball Hall of Fame that included remarks from Springfield mayor Domenic Sarno and Derek Kellogg, a Springfield native who serves as basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts.

Savit said the details of finding a team name, colors and logo will be taken care of shortly.

"After that, we'll get our schedule from the league. We already have a list of available dates (at the MassMutual Center)," he said.